Microencapsulation of Tecoma stans Extracts: Bioactive Properties Preservation and Physical Characterization Analysis

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Phytochemistry
• Nutraceuticals

Background:

• Medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds for functional foods.
• Instability of these compounds necessitates conservation methods like encapsulation.
• Tecoma stans is a plant with potential bioactive properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties of Tecoma stans leaf extracts and their microencapsulates.
• To determine optimal extraction conditions for bioactive compounds.
• To characterize spray-dried microencapsulates.

Main Methods:

• Extraction optimization using factorial design based on ABTS and DPPH inhibition.
• Spray drying using maltodextrin (MD), arabic gum (AG), or a MD:AG blend.
• Characterization via physicochemical analysis, GC-MS, and SEM.
• Assessment of antioxidant activity and glycemic index (GI).

Main Results:

• Optimal extraction conditions (stirring, water, 5 min) yielded high antioxidant activity.
• Spray drying reduced extract antioxidant activity but preserved infusion activity.
• Microencapsulated infusion with MD:AG exhibited the highest hypoglycemic activity (GI = 47).

Conclusions:

• Tecoma stans leaf microencapsulates possess significant antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties.
• Encapsulation, particularly with MD:AG, enhances the stability and bioactivity of Tecoma stans infusion.
• These microencapsulates show promise for incorporation into functional foods to improve nutritional value and health benefits.